Minutes

(meeting taped)

Monthly meeting: Monday, May 10, 2004 in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

By roll call, members present: John Walsh, Al Felice, Beverly Moran and Edward Handi. David Mikos, Matt Cripps and Karen Izzo and were excused.

Parks and Recreation Director Dennis O’Connell was present. Athletic Director Kenneth Marcucio was absent.

Without objection, the agenda was accepted as written.

A motion was made by Beverly Moran and second by Al Felice. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting on April 12, 2004, as written. Motion carried unanimously.

Tony DelPrete, representing the High School Varsity Cheerleaders, requested use of the concession stand at Ryan Field Complex on Friday through Sunday in conjunction with Derby Days.

Members had no opposition to the request but explained that the Booster Club and Pop Warner would have to agree to the use being that they have first right to refusal and also being that the equipment inside was purchased by them. As this would be in conjunction with Derby Days, the Cultural Commission will have to agree to the use. The Health Department would likely require a special event permit that he would have to obtain.

Mr. DelPrete indicated that he has spoken with the Booster Club and Pop Warner and they were agreeable. He would seek all necessary approvals and permits.

A motion was made by Al Felice and second by Edward Handi. Move to approve the use of the concession stand at the Ryan Field Complex requested by the Derby High School Varsity Cheerleaders for Friday through Sunday in conjunction with Derby Days for fundraising purposes with it stipulated that the Booster Club, Pop Warner and the Cultural Commission agree to this use and with all necessary permits obtained. Motion carried unanimously.

No one else came forward and public portion was closed.

Nothing was presented.

A.) Update on Neighborhood Committee request to have the Commission oversee the administration of Witek Park: There was nothing to update as the Neighborhood Committee did not meet since the last Parks & Recreation meeting.

Parks & Recreation Director’s Report: Mr. O'Connell reported that he and the Shelton Recreation Director have met with representatives from the YMCA to discuss the supervision of the skate park. Discussions are going well. They have requested that members of the YMCA be allowed to use the skate park even though they may not be a resident of Derby or Shelton. This was agreeable to the members with it understood that the YMCA member would have to show his/her membership and also pay any fees that may be charged at the skate park. Shelton will also discuss this request. Mr. O'Connell noted that the Corporation Counsels from both cities are reviewing the terms for this supervision as well as any liability concerns.

A senior Babe Ruth team is being formed for 16-19 year olds. They will play in a regional league spanning from Watertown to Milford. To fund this new team, a transfer will be made within the department line items and fees will be charged to the participants.

Little League is underway.

Mr. O'Connell is seeking estimates for gutters on the Ryan field house. He is also looking at the purchase of a storage bin similar to those already in use for storage of baseball equipment. It was noted that a capital project was funded a number of years ago for a storage building at Ryan Field. The design was not finalized and the funds were reallocated to another project. There still is a need for storage of maintenance equipment and materials as well as athletic equipment. The storage container would only provide for temporary limited storage and the long-term solution, a building, should still be considered.

A motion was made by Al Felice and second by Edward Handi. Move to authorize the purchase of a storage container for use at the Ryan Baseball complex. Motion carried unanimously.

The baseball coach asked if advertising signs could be displayed on the backstops during the season with proceeds going to the program. Members indicated that the Board of Alderman or the Planning & Zoning Commission would have to make that decision.

Mr. O'Connell is looking at power-seeding the football field. The conditions are very poor and every effort will be made to bring it back for the fall season. The overuse is showing a continuing decline of the surface conditions. With baseball season and now Derby Days, the time to make any improvements is extremely restricted.

The budget is going well. The revenue has exceeded projections. Mr. O'Connell will be reviewing the remaining funds for possible transfers, if needed; especially in maintenance and supplies.

Athletic Director’s Report: Mr. Marcucio was not present.

Programs Committee – The First Aid Classes were held with limited attendance. Further classes will be scheduled.

Facilities Committee – Mr. Felice reported that construction of the driveway at Witek Park has started. The contractor has been advised that he reports to only the Wetlands Enforcement Officer David Kopjanski, City Engineer Michael Joyce, Public Works Director Gary Parker and Chairman of the Derby Inland Wetlands Agency Fred Columbo. Mr. Felice was advised this evening of concerns for the silt fence installation and he will relay these concerns to the appropriate people. Construction is scheduled to be completed in October 2004.

Funds for the Greenway should be released on May 15^th. Bids should go out in June with construction anticipated in late summer.

Chairman Walsh noted the program started by Paula Ferrara, elementary school physical education teacher, where the students are wearing pedometers to measure their level of activity. The goal is 10,000 steps per day. Students and staff are enthused with the program. They have issued a challenge to other city employees and they desire to open the challenge to the City to encourage everyone to get healthier by walking. This has been discussed in conjunction with the Greenway and the reviving of the old Beltline, to get residents out exercising for their health. McDonalds is starting a new program with healthier meals with a pedometer as the prize inside. Discussions are ongoing to coordinate their program with the local activities.

A motion was made by Edward Handi and second by Beverly Moran. Move to adjourn the meeting at 8:10p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

The next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, June 14, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. If the Aldermanic Chambers are unavailable then the Veteran’s room will be requested.

Respectfully prepared,
Karen Kemmesies, secretary